St Christopher’s The Hall, Beckenham, has officially opened its brand-new outdoor play area, marking an exciting milestone for the school community.
The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday 3 September 2025 in a wonderful event attended by pupils, parents and staff. The playground was officially opened by special guest Tim Allardyce, an alumnus of St Christopher’s and a successful entrepreneur who runs physiotherapy centres across south-east London. Tim has kindly supported the playground project, helping to make the exciting vision a reality.
The new outdoor space has been designed to inspire creativity, encourage teamwork, and promote physical wellbeing among children. It features a range of play equipment and trim trails to challenge pupils physically, helping them build strength, balance, and coordination through active play. Alongside these, a dedicated sensory area provides opportunities for exploration and calm reflection, while creative surface markings encourage imaginative games and playful learning. A small amphitheatre and sheltered canopy mean the space can be enjoyed all year round, whether for quiet moments or group activities.
Speaking at the opening, Head Tom Carter said: ‘Outdoor play is such a vital part of a child’s development, it builds confidence, resilience, and social skills. It was wonderful to see our pupils enjoying the new space straight away. I would like to thank Tim Allardyce for his generous support and for being part of such a special day for our school community. This play area will enrich pupils’ daily lives, giving them even more opportunities to learn through play, develop friendships, and embrace the outdoors in every season.’
Nick Hewlett, CEO of St Dunstan’s Education Group, added: ‘We are delighted with this outstanding new outdoor space at St Christopher’s. It builds upon the school’s already excellent facilities and further enhances the learning experiences available to all children. This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring every pupil thrives both inside and outside the classroom.’
The opening follows a year of success for the prep school, often referred to as Beckenham’s best-kept secret. In its most recent ISI inspection, conducted in March 2025 under the new and more rigorous framework, St Christopher’s was recognised for its exceptional leadership, inspiring curriculum, and outstanding pupil development. Most notably, the school was awarded the ISI’s highest possible commendation: a ‘significant strength’ for its leadership of teaching and learning and continuous improvement in the quality of education, a rare honour within the prep school sector.
St Christopher’s The Hall joined the award-winning St Dunstan’s Education Group in early 2025 and continues to grow as a thriving community rooted in excellence and innovation.
Families interested in discovering more about the school are warmly invited to their upcoming Discovery Morning on Saturday 11 October 2025.
